In a foreword to the report, Baroness Deech, chair of the national working group on women in medicine, said there was “worrying evidence of a series of obstacles” in the system for women, forcing them to make career decisions that were “compromises rather than choices”.

The report says positions on boards and internal committees should be advertised more widely, with a “transparent and democratic process rather than simply an appointment by nomination”.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission should audit the appointments process for all such posts, it says, to assess whether sufficient opportunity has been created to increase access for women.

The report also calls on NHS Employers to draw up guidance on the additional provision NHS trusts should make for childcare allowances for unavoidable unsocial hours of work.

NHS Employers deputy director Alastair Henderson said: “Detailed arrangements for childcare are a matter for local organisations. Of course, it is not just doctors who may have issues around childcare out of hours.”

A “good deal of work” had been carried out on the issue, according to Mr Henderson.